Jonathan Saunders to exit Diane von Furstenberg

Jonathan Saunders is to stand down from his role at chief creative officer at Diane von Furstenberg; the news comes just days after von Furstenberg revealed that she was planning to sell a stake in her business.

British designer Saunders took up the role just 18 months ago, in May 2016, having previously shuttered his own label which he used to show at London Fashion Week.

In a statement Saunders said: “I am grateful for Diane’s support and for the opportunity of guiding this iconic brand. I am so proud of everything we have accomplished in the past 18 months. I thank the incredible team for their dedication and support, and will continue to be a friend and admirer of the brand.”

Diane von Furstenberg added: "I am so thankful for Jonathan’s beautiful work and the effort and dedication he has put into DVF in the last 18 months. He will leave an important and lasting heritage to the brand."

Since his arrival Saunders has overseen a refresh of the DvF branding and his collections have been warmly received by fashion critics who felt his modern take on print and colour married well with the DvF heritage; his last collection for the house is pre-fall 18 (pictured above).

von Furstenberg, who is also chair of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, has revealed that she intends to engage independent investment banker Michel Dyens & Co to explore options for the business she founded in 1974 and which made its name on the iconic jersey wrap dress.

Saunders' arrival at DvF was meant to signal a stepping-back from the day-to-day running of the business by von Furstenberg, however the business has been without a CEO since Paolo Rivera left in November 2016. Former CEO Paula Sutter has been invited to return to the board in 2018, having left in 2013. She has been CEO of TSG Fashion Group for the past three year.

Images: DvF Pre-fall 18